This is a version of this page with lightened images.
Click on the images for a larger (640x480, generally 20-35k) version. As I took these pictures with my Nokia 7650 the quality of the larger shots is somewhat lacking, unfortunately.
Someone on uk.railway asked about the difference between HST trailer bogies. These come in two varieties, Long Swing Link (LSL) and Short Swing Link (SSL). LSL bogies are not allowed over 3rd rail routes.
Luckily I have some photos I took at Virgin's Longsight depot on January 13th 2003, a few minutes before midnight.
This is the general area we're looking at - the (enclosed) airbag in the middle of the bogie. The difference is in the retaining straps. The pic above shows a Short Swing Link bogie.
Better lit, close ups of a SSL bogie. See the cable hanging down to the left of the airbag?
Below is a LSL bogie. See the solid metal 'loop' round the lug on the swing link (that's the bit under the airbag enclosure)? This fouls (or rather *may* foul) 3rd rail lines.
Meanwhile, I noticed another difference between different Mk.III bogies. The vertical downwards lug on both ends of the one bogie side member (front left of the carriage in direction of travel) (which supports a side-to-side locating bar to the axle-boxes IIRC) can be cast or bolted, as seen below.
*PLEASE NOTE*: All 'facts' on this page are (mainly) just what I've worked out by looking, thinking and asking (and a little inside knowledge). If anyone knows any better (or has better photos) *please do* email me and I will correct/update this page. Thanks!
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